Sandra's Blog

What Kind of Agent Do You Have After the Sale?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:34:45 -0600

Getting a deal to closing isn't always an easy task.Today with short sales and REOs - bank owned properties - it isn't like the good old days. Everything doesn't fall into beautifully into place. There aren't eager sellers to pretty up the homes, plant colorful flowers out front and make sure the place smells delicious.

In Southern California-Temecula/Murrieta - we are just thrilled that the banks are paying to turn on the water and pay for yard service! The people that are trying to short sale their homes have neither the money or the inclination to stage their homes. It is so hard to know you are leaving your home under not great circumstances.

All of this add up to buyers that want the great prices that this economy afford but need extra babysitting from agents to help them see the great potential in the homes they are buying. Especially the long time lag on the short sales are very stressful. That is when you see what kind of agent you have.

You need an agent that can think like a nervous buyer.You need your hand held every step of the way, with all of the steps explained and reexplained. After all of the stress of the sale is over, many of your agents disappear. They seems to only to be able to put their energy into one or two things at a time. That is only the beginning of what you need your agent for. You should be able to call them any time to ask about Home Warranty, taxes, neighbors, carpet cleaners, bee removers, painters, roofers-----and so on and so on.

If they are interacting with you, you can be kept up to date about property values in the area. It is very nerve wracking to have more and more home go up for sale on a street you just invested in---

It is very important for me to be the kind of agent that a buyer can depend on AFTER the sale. How about you --- ?

Is The Glass Getting Half Full?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:40:14 -0600

Is the glass half full or half empty? We have all known people that are eternal pessimist that will never see anything but the half empty glass---even in the best of times in the Real Estate market. You know the type, the sellers that weren't happy with "just" a two hundred thousand profit, in the good old days, because "I'm not giving away this home---do you think I'm that stupid?" They conveniently forgot that they pulled out a hundred thousand for personal use and now they were still going to get $200,000 on top of that!

Now our homes here in Temecula and Murrieta are no longer piggy banks but homes again. There isn't the stress of wondering when you should take the next huge step into a larger home that is going to up the stress even more. Also now is the time for buyers to get into a great home at an "affordable" price and interest rate----better than we will ever see again in our lifetimes.

With the tax breaks for first time home buyers, I feel like finally the glass is beginning to look like it might be getting half full!

What came First - the Chicken or the Egg?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:27:53 -0500

Wow! This has been a wild time here in Southern California. We have seen real estate hit magnificent highs and plummet to about half of their top values. We have more than our share of "bank owned" homes in our market---in fact, they make up most of our market right now.

Here in Temecula/Murrieta - one hour north of San Diego - we are a town - city - with a middle to upper-middle population. When I talk to people, I have realized that these aren't the "dead beats" that were caught in "sub-prime" loans. There are basically two stories here. First there are the home owners that used their home as a "Bank Account" that allowed them to have "extras"----boats, pools, hardscape, RVs---that their income didn't provide for. One day they they went to the bank and realized that they were overdrawn and they had to pay back the "overdraft". The other half just have had their income cut -- many because they were in some aspect of the real estate business - or have lost jobs! These are good, good people - smart people that can't can't make house payments, or any other payments, without a paycheck.

Normally in this kind of situation, people just sell their homes, and move to another area where they can find jobs---but this is not normal times! Homeowners are upside-down in their homes and businesses are cutting back across the board. But this too will pass and someday all of this will seem like a bad memory that has changed all of us.

Will Real Estate Wait for Me?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:37:36 -0500

Real Estate is a hard master! It wants you to be there night or day. Now here is the problem, this weekend I am out of here for not a just a weekend but for two entire weeks!

I'm taking my son to college this weekend. Yes I am devastated! He is my youngest and my heart. Now both he and his older brother will be in Texas and . . . I'm in Southern California. What is it with these kids? I would have killed to go to college in Southern Cal! I'm not saying that I didn't love you - UT, but California has beaches, palm trees, and flowers.

We are driving my son's car - two and a half days - to school. By then my clients will be in cardiac arrest! You can imagine them by the end of two weeks. Yes I have someone covering for me, but you know how that works!

The last time I was gone for just a week, I got a call you wouldn't believe --- my seller wouldn't move out of the house! I called immediately and what did she say, "I'm not moving, they can't make me, my house isn't ready yet." The new owners called the police finally and still no luck! She wouldn't come outside so they couldn't do anything. Well, about 50 calls later - I reasoned with her, yelled at her, you name it - finally as I was about a mile from home, she moved out ---only 7 days past her COE + 2!

After that being gone two weeks in Real Estate scares me to death. Things are slow now but that makes it even more important. I don't know about you, but I need to hang on to all the clients possible. I can't put a dollar amount on the time with my son but . . .

Will I have a career when I get back?

Is There Any Magic Formulas?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:26:36 -0500

Today as I was thinking about my business this year, a lot of question came up.I have been so lucky - lucky, or maybe just a lot of hard work - the first part of the year. I have been so busy with lots and lots of "old" clients. By old I really mean "sphere of influence" or repeat clients. Homes got sold, homes got bought, families got moved and all is good in our part of Southern California - the Temecula Valley to be specific.

Now everyone that could possibility move, that I have any contact with, is all fixed up! Where do I start now?

Our area - one hour north of San Diego, is an absolutely gorgeous area, with an Old Town Temecula full of neat little antique shops and neat restaurants, beautiful wineries, seven championship golf courses, and a fancy, think Las Vegas style, casino.

I'm okay with listings but I can't help my Sellers if I can't manage to stir up some buyers. Can anyone help me brainstorm ideas for getting ahold of Buyers?

Do You Really Want to Sell Your Home?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:36:47 -0500

The sun shinning, the palm trees are blowing in the breeze, the flowers are a riot of color and . . . the streets are covered with For Sale signs. Which homes will sale?

It would be great to have a magic ball we could check to find out all of the answers. It would seem that the families that NEED and WANT to sell their homes the most, would be the homes that sell! But---that is not necessarily what happens! Can I tell you how much it upsets me when a great family that needs to sale, doesn't seem to WANT to sell?

In today's market, it doesn't make sense for someone who desperately needs to sell, to refuse to lower the home price because ---"We need XXX dollars to put down on another home!" It is better to only have half of something than to completely go under and end up with nothing! Is it okay for a Realtor to shake a client???

I want you to succeed! I'll help you make your home look as wonderful as possible. I'll even pay for a storage unit for you to empty out all of your extra clutter! All I can't do for you is make you understand it is up to you to really want to sell!

If you really, really want to sell, it will happen! It is a decision that Realtors can help with but only Sellers can make.

What's the Difference Between A Foreclosure and a Deed In-Lieu of Foreclosure?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:53:17 -0500

A few months ago, I had a call from a good client that I have helped buy and sell several homes. It was one of those calls that catch your heart and makes you want to put your arms around the family. They just can't make it any more - a job was lost, no insurance and everything was going from bad to worse. They couldn't afford their home and they owed more than it could sell for.

I listed the home as a Short Sale. The market kept falling, more and more Short Sales and Foreclosures were appearing and fewer and fewer buyers were coming. We haven't been able to sell the home. :-(

Now we are looking a either Deed In-Lieu of Foreclosure or Foreclosure. Could someone tell me the disadvantages and/or advantages or each?

Are Bank Repos the Best "Deals" for Buyers?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:07:46 -0500

Today as I was wheeling around town, I saw one busy intersection papered with signs saying - BANK REPO INFORMATION! All of the signs were pointing to one of the larger agencies here in Temecula/Murrieta California.

I was very put off by the signs. I felt that consumers (Home buyers) were being pointed in the wrong direction. I realize that the normal consumer "thinks" that they can get the best deal on repo, or bank owner property but as Realtors, we almost always realize that this is not true!

Bank owned property is often priced HIGHER than it was while it was still in Short Sale mode! There are often repairs to be made and the home come with no "Disclosures" since the bank never lived in the home and cannot be responsible for disclosing information they don't know! This week on our Realtor Tour we saw a repo that had all of the carpet and baseboards gone - there was a empty pool that the surface was going to have to be redone! All of the money to redo this home would be coming out of pocket!

I often see Short Sales that are a good value. The people haven't been out of the home so long that everything is dead and if it has a pool - it is still viable. (A Short Sale situation exists when a home is being sold for less money than the previous owner owed on the home --- a realtor neogates with the bank to work out a win/win situation before the bankrupcy takes place.)

Does anyone see the same things I am seeing on the value of the REPOS or are they a better deal in your part of the country?

Four Great Things About Temecula Valley

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:09:22 -0500

Alex on Neatorama threw out an open invitation for bloggers to write about their home towns. "Lastly, an open invitation to anyone who want to write 4 Neat Things About My Hometown (format up to you) - let me know, and I'll link to your blog. If it's particularly funny or interesting, I'll put it on the front page so here goes!

1.Temecula Wineries --- We have great, beautiful wineries. South Coast, Falkners, Miramonte, Leonesse Cellars, Finsinger, Ponte, Weins Family Cellars, Bella Vista Cilurzo, Mount Palomar, Hart, Callaway, Keyways, Maurice Carrie, La Cereza, Long Shadow Ranch and Winery, Thornton's (a champagne winery), Stuart Cellars, Churon, Wilson Creek (you must try their Almond Champagne). Drive down Rancho California Road and see the beautiful rolling hills with rows and rows of vines and one beautiful winery after another.

2. The infamous Temecula Duck Pond --- What a wonderful small town thing to see! Our neat duck pond with walks surrounding it so people can stroll and feed the ducks! Neat bronze bronze statues and families with their cameras---You don't see things like that in your big cities.

3. Pechanga Casino and Resort --- Pechanga is our Indian Casino right here in town. It can give any casino in Las Vegas competition. The building is large and flashy and wonderful. It has a club that looks like it should be in Chicago or New York City and of course it has a great hotel as part of the casino. Sooooo, put everything on red and let it ride----or----get your bag of nickles and get ready to rumble. Oh did I forget to mention all of the celebrities that have shows at Pechanga?

4. La Cresta, Murrieta --- Our own answer to the Beverly Hills---only better, in my opinion, of course. Gorgeous homes on five acre parcels. Rolling hills with lots of white rail fences, horses, and even one helicopter! Every different type of architecture--all great---You will find everything from multimillionaires to regular working class folks but the most amazing thing is how all of the residents fit together so well---Nice people who are welcoming and gracious. There is no differences or exclusions there---how many areas can people even say that they know their neighbors---much less in an area of 5 acre parcels?

Pechanga Indian Pow Wow in Temecula Valley

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:25:17 -0500

The Pechanga Band of the Luiseno Indians held their 12th annual Pow Wow June 30 thru July 1st. The Pow Wow was held on the Pechanga Reservation near the popular Pechanga Casino and Resort. For more than 10,000 years, the Pechanga people have called the Temecula Valley or Southern California home.

The event began with a celebration of American Indian culture, heritage and tradition. The three day event began with the gourd dance. There were dance and drum contest with firework display Saturday night.

Street Painting Festival in Old Town Temecula

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 03:19:58 -0500

Historic Temecula offers year around entertainment. We have everything from the Balloon and Wine Festival to the Blue Grass Festival, Auto Shows and the Street Painting Festival. In a town of close to 100,000 people and many, many tourist, it might surprise people to realize what a small town feel this area has managed to retain. We see family and friends, including most of our children's friends, any time we are out and about - and out and about we were this weekend! The Streets of Old Town popped with the vibrant color of the artist and music swirled around the crowds.

The streets of Old Town Temecula were roped off for artist of all ages. Hundreds of artists painted murals up to 10 x 12 feet on the streets using pastel chalks. The pictures ranged from a copy of Van Gogh or a beautiful pig! One entire section by the Children's Museum was set up with pastels so children of all ages could try their hand at street art!

Congratulations to 19 year old Hannah Tawater of San Diego for winning Best of Show with her mural "Carol and Clark." Best Youth went to first time McKenzie Rice, of Temecula, for his "Monster Truck."

Is It Time to Call All of Your Clients?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 02:06:47 -0500

Could you be missing a chance to be of service to your clients if you ignore the fact that this is the time to buy (Buyers Market)? Most families have some members who have not gotten into the housing market because of the high housing prices. With the correction in the housing market, they now have a wonderful opportunity to get a home.

As Realtors we find ourselves surrounded by potential sellers who are bemoaning the dropping prices. That is only half of the story! Remember the old saying - "Buy low, sell high."

The first time homebuyer is buying at the optimum time! People that have job transfers into areas that were once unaffordable are lucky today because they can find housing within their budget. Families have gotten out of the housing market because of divorce - and now more than ever, both people can afford a home again! People need to be able to afford a place to make their own memories. Today is their time and as Realtors we have the opportunity to help this happen.

I'm excited about helping people find homes - How about you?

How Many Realtors Need New Pictures on Our Cards?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:44:48 -0500

It is a hard call! Marketing gurus tell us to keep all of our marketing materials consistent and develop a recognizable look. Unfortunately after we have paid for all of the expensive postcards, cards, flyers, our crazy faces and bodys change on us! It really isn't fair. By the time I had enough money to buy the nice marketing pieces, I have lost control of all of my recognizable features.

We have a Realtor in our area that had a great photo he was standing in a blue striped shirt gesturing over our Valley. Well his new photo,with his more current face and body, looks like he is on his way to a funereal ----Now is that better marketing?Hummmm...

What do you do? You have finally developed something that people remember. Do you toss esxpensive cards, postcards, flyers just for a picture of an older face?

Finally Our Children Can Afford to Buy a Home!

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:52:51 -0500

As a Mom of a newer college graduate and high school senior, I have always been concerned about their ability to afford a home here in Southern California. With the high cost of even starter homes, it hasn't looked good for young adults trying to get their first home.

Now with all of the fall out in the housing market, a wonderful thing has happened --- now our children have a chance to get in the housing market! Granted, it may be harder to get a loan. They will have to made sure their credit is good (Yea! Listen to your mother - it is important to pay your bills. You are a grown up now!). They will have to decide if it is more important to get in the housing market than get a hot car. Maybe, just maybe, this will make the difference in whether our children will be able to stay by family or end up out of state just so they can give their family a home.

I for one will take a little slow down to give our children a chance to have a home.

33130 South General Kearney #8, Temecula, California

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:07:18 -0500

Bring Your Parents!

Location: Hertiage Senior Mobile Park

No More Snow and Ice! No More Cold Winter Weather For The Folks! No More Spending Every Vacation Going Home To See Your Parents! Your Children Can Actually Get To Know Your Parents! A Great Opportunity to Get Affordable Living For Seniors In So California----In a Great Area! Beautiful Mobile - Built In 1986 - Absolutely Pristine. Kitchen Has Been Completely Redone. The Home Is Light And Bright With A New Designer Front Door And Mirrored Closet Doors. It Has 1104 Square Feet +/- Of Living Space - 2 Bedrooms And 2 Bathrooms. Located In Heritage Park Which Is The Only Senior Mobile Home Park In Temecula. Close To Everything. Minutes From Grocery Stores, Drug Stores, Beauty Shops, Restaurants, Fast Food, And The Post Office. There Is A Very Nice Clubhouse With Large Pool And Activities For The Seniors. Thanks For Showing.

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Sandra Williams

951-662-3973

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Asking Price: $69,900

Property Location

31130 S.GENERAL KEARNEY #8
Temecula, CA 92591
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Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 2

Year Built: 1986

Subdivision: Hertiage Park

Square Footage: 1104

Agent Name: Sandra Williams

Broker: Rancon Real Estate

MLS #: T705160

Attributes

Interior Amenities

Vaulted Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Tool Shed

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Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1081128

Temecula, CA is Beautiful This Time of Year!

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 04:19:48 -0500

I love the beautiful flowers this time of the year in Temecula, California. All of the winery's are covered with luscious golds, brilliant scarlets, and blinding whites---not to mention all hues of purples. The wonderful thing about Southern California, and Temecula/Murrieta in general is that there are different types of flowers blooming year round. All of the yards, wineries, road mediums, and even shopping centers overflow with color.

If you get a chance to see Temecula, do come, it is a beautiful place.

31484 Britton Circle, Temecula, CA

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 28 May 2007 03:18:47 -0500

Large Well Kept Family Home

Location: Chardonney Hills

Great family home in one of the most highly sought area of Temecula. Low tax area. Perfect home to entertain, large home with oversize family room & master. 5 bedrooms - One downstairs with full bath and a bonus room upstairs, 10,000 Sq. Ft. +/- lot with lots of privacy. Yard has patio & spa and an large sports court that can be used for a basketball court or hockey court or just for fun. All of this plus plenty of room to put in your own pool and maybe volleyball court! Neighborhood pools & parks.

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Sandra Williams

951-662-3973

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Asking Price: $529,900

Property Location

31484 Britton Circle
Temecula, CA 92591
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Features

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3

Parking: 3 car

Year Built: 2003

Subdivision: Chardonney Hills

Lot Size: 10,000

Garage Size: 3 car

School District: Temecula

Square Footage: 3197

Agent Name: Sandra Williams

Broker: Rancon Real Estate

MLS #: T07057111

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Jacuzzi

Grass Lawn

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Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1081070

Everything Old is New Again

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Fri, 25 May 2007 15:14:02 -0500

Today is going to be another great day. I am working with one of my oldest and dearest clients! How old you ask? No . . .not old at all in terms of age . . . just "old" as has been working with me since I started in Real Estate. Great family, great friends - I've sold every family member and every friend of theirs some sort of Real Estate. Sold, as in sold their home and also helped them find new homes. We have looked at ranches, yes there are ranches in S. California, tract homes, view homes, starter homes, pool homes, and homes that needed LOTS of work!

They know that they can count on me to find the very best of the best for them or their friends-regardless of the price point. As we were slogging through wet grass, with me in my suede shoes, in the pastures of a Bank Owned property they were considering, they paid me the ultimate compliment - "You know we trust you to take care of us - and not judge us for our crazy ideas."

What a compliment! Their ideas weren't crazy---It is not a crazy idea to try to get a Bank Owned property at a great price! They know that these properties are slow to give you an answer on your offer and they probably need some spiffying up, but they also know that I will hang in there with them until we get the right place at the right price.

So off we go to tromp through fields, crawl over corrals, crunch through dead grass, and hold our noses as we look at once loved properties now left to the care of banks.

Today is the day! I'm excited and they are excited --- I think we have found the one that will be perfect for them. We are sad for the prior owners but I like to think they will be happy knowing great people will love that property now.

Should You Rent?

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:44:35 -0500

Today on the front page of MSN is an article suggesting that this might be a good time to rent. Well, yes and no! Luckily with today's market, buyers can actually have enough inventory to make their own choices on the best home for them. No more of the looking at the only three homes available in your price point and "have to write it today, because it won't be here, if you wait"---no more of buying in the only available neighborhood, instead of the area that you wanted! You can actually chose and "think" before you sign on the dotted line.

That sounds pretty reasonable to me. Buyers in the higher price ranges have generally had those options, but first time buyers haven't had that luxury in a long time.

A client just asked me if I thought they should just rent awhile-----Well, they are pretty specific buyers. They only want one area, has to be a least an acre (mostly tract homes around that area), has to be a specific size. I'm not sure they should pass on something that is a good fit for them because there will never be many homes that will fit their requirements.

I agree that first time home buyers don't have the pressure to buy immediately but still they need to get in now as the prices are lower. I have lots of mixed feelings----What is your feelings on this?

Why Are There so Many Homes on the Market for so Long!

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 21:27:37 -0500

Every street you drive down, seems to have several "For Sale" signs in front yards. These are often the same signs day after day - week after week - and month after month. What is happening that has brought the selling frenzy to a stand still?

For the past few years, our area was one of the fastest appreciating areas in California. What happened? Okay the "funny" interest only loans started the slide, but the problem with inventory is something different. The prices of homes have not dropped enough to attract the buyers that remain. Homes are still selling but not a two year ago prices!

Homeowners still remember what their model match (exactly the same home) sold for . . . a year and a half ago . . . so they want at least that price and maybe just a little more. After all that was a while back! The market has changed and the "perceived" values have not. Many owners still believe that if they just wait a little longer, their home will eventually sell for what they are asking.

The fact is, today, time is not your friend. The longer a house is on the market , the less chance it will sell---particularly at the initial asking price. Prices are heading lower as home owners that have to sell because on job transfers, bad loans, or family issues, etc. make price adjustments to get their homes sold.

Different agents can't help, more advertising can't help a overpriced home (Buyers are going to chose the best "deals" for their family) Over the top, the most beautiful, most upgrades, all of that will still not make a buyer overpay in today's market. (Anyone heard, "If they fall in love with my home, they will pay cash for the difference if it doesn't appraise"?----Sorry, buyers care about their pocketbooks. It will cause a buyer to choose one home over the other but only if the price is right.)

Today it is about price and condition---

Get Ready to Sale!

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:14:05 -0500

Today I had a friend call and tell me that she may be moving in the near future and she wanted to get a heads up on getting ready to sale. She has been in her home for about 10 years and of course styles have changed and even great homes have gotten dated. She asked me to put together a list for her to look over and then come over one day and do the same thing on a room to room bases.

I have lots of lists for sellers .... but they all say approximately the same things---Clean up your yard, clean your house, put away clutter and personal things, make sure the home is free of smells---all wonderful ideas yet I wanted to take it a little further. After they have developed an entire TV show on HGTV on the subject---Designed to Sale. The things that they do for their redos clients are things that we can pass on easily. I'll give you my "new version" of a List for Seller who want More Money!

1. Color on your walls to warm up and make the rooms look more current

2. New light fixtures----in So California----brass light fixtures look very dated

3. Strip out the old vertical blinds, anything lace or dated floral curtains. Replace them with more current window coverings

4. Only show one purpose for each room---clear out "orphaned" furniture pieces---stick them in the garage is you can't bear to part with them---buyers would rather see a cluttered garage than a cluttered home

What can you add to my list?----I know there are great ideas out there----I can use some help here!

The Silence is Deafing!

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:00:13 -0500

How could I have possibly left the house without my cell phone---everyone who spends anytime around me knows I may----should I say probably will leave my purse in your home, office, car...fill in the blank----but I always have my cell phone in my hand.

I have never quite understood the Realtorsthat ha ve those great messages ---- "I return my messages between the hours of three and four"----!! I know that are great trainers that preach that and the ---"I am not available on the weekends but will be available Monday thru Friday and again, I will return all of my calls between three and four." I also know this is a great idea to give an impression of a very professional business person but luckily for me, I have developed a great sphere of influence clientele. They know I will be thrilled to hear from them---about real estate or otherwise.

Anyway I am having withdrawal symptoms all during ham and sweet potato casserole---we were lucky enough to be invited to my cousin's (part of the very, very small contingent of Californian cousins, not to be mistaken with the very, very, very large contingent of the Texas cousins) who lives in an amazing home in Romona amonst the rolling hills (Can't take the Realtor out of the Realtor-even on holidays). Made it back home, opened the door, just in time to grab my ringing cell phone. An out of area Realtor wanting to talk to me about putting an offer on a great short sale home that I have listed. See---told you---maybe I should just have it chained to my arm. Think there is a support group for people like me that really don't want to be cured? I do think I need, maybe, at least some help!

What a Great Reward

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 02:11:33 -0500

I just picked up the largest check of my entire career! Exciting? Absolutely---more than absolutely! I was estatic but all in all once I bragged just a little and then deposited my check, I realized that what was and will be memorable about this deal will be the people involved----even more than the money!

Making a living is why I am in Real Estate-make no mistake about that. But sometimes I get so wrapped up in the process---crazy clients, fun clients, easy clients ---I have to admit Real Estate is nearly like a "calling". It can encompass every part of your day and best of all, you enjoy it. I love loading up the laptop and printer and heading off to an open house! I absolutely hate, hate, hate trying to pound Open House signs into ground that is like cement---how can it grow grass and still be that hard? I'm 6' tall (get over it!) and I own my own sledge hammer and I sometimes skip entire corners---am I terrible? Anyway don't tell clients that Open Houses are fun for me---I like to pretend I am much to cool for that!

What keeps you to Real Estate? Is it the process, people, paycheck, the retirement packages? It can't be the great hours or the swell medical insurance---What floats your boat?

A Little Dab will Do'Ya

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:54:22 -0500

Worn paint on garage doors, trim, or front doors is one of the biggest turn-off for clients. Before any home goes on the market today, one of the best things a Seller could do to improve their bottom line, is pick up a gallon of outdoor paint and freshen up the front of the home.

Faded paint on front doors let Buyers know that the Sellers aren't actively taking care of the upkeep on their homes! Don't let a small detail take money out of your pocket!

Talking to the Banks

Sandra Williams (Rancon Real Estate) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:12:13 -0500

Today I talked to a bank about a client giving a property back-----"deed in lieu of foreclosure" ---only to learn the property MUST be listed by a Realtor for three months before the lender will accept the deed! We have had the property listed, although not for three months, but even with VERY competitive pricing we haven't gotten an offer. There are so many properties on the market that a lot of buyers don't want to take the time to deal with banks.

If you are playing a juggling game just to stay afloat and make your house payment, get your home listed by a Realtor immediately. If it comes to the point you are unable to sell, you will be able to give your home back---"deed in lieu of foreclosure."